2016 Jonata ‘El Alma de Jonata’ Cabernet Franc

JD99 The 2016 El Alma de Jonata is the Cabernet Franc-dominated cuvée. (There’s 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot in the blend.) This beauty sports an inky color as well as Cheval Blanc-like notes of black cherries, cassis, crushed flowers, graphite and lead pencil. The suppleness and sexiness of the 2016 vintage has worked magic on this wine, which is incredibly opulent, expansive and seamless on the palate, with awesome purity of fruit, present tannins, and a huge finish. It’s a tour de force from Santa Barbara that’s up with the best in the world.